The Kenyan Senate has confirmed the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, marking the first time a deputy president in Kenya’s history has been removed from office.
After two days of debate, 53 senators voted to uphold the motion, sealing Gachagua’s fate.
Gachagua faced five charges, including misuse of public office, undermining judicial independence, and violating the National Cohesion and Integrity Act.
The motion was initiated by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse and passed in the National Assembly with 281 votes in favour and 44 against. One MP abstained.
The charges included constitutional violations, insubordination to President William Ruto, intimidation of public officials, ethnic bias, and improper wealth acquisition.
Gachagua’s legal team walked out of the proceedings on Thursday, after the Senate rejected their request to extend the hearing to Saturday, citing his absence due to illness.
Lead lawyer Paul Mwite explained that Gachagua had been admitted to Karen Hospital, after suffering severe chest pains.
Gachagua had been present at earlier hearings but missed the final stages on Thursday.